I am interested in becoming a certified instructor.How do I begin?Given that there are three methods of completing certification, the method that you choose will determine how you should begin. Two of the methods are detailed in the PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification Booklet.

If you want to attend a PATH Intl. Approved Training Course, you will need to go to the PATH Intl. website for a list of dates and locations for Approved Training courses. Once you have found one that interests you, you will need to contact that center for details regarding their course. Visit the Approved Training Course page for more information.

If you cannot attend an Approved Training course, then you will need to proceed with the second method of certification, which involves a multi-step process of educational components. This process is described in detail in the PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification Booklet.

How do I sign up for the online courses?First, you will want to submit your Instructor application to PATH Intl. with the $75 application fee and your PATH Intl. membership of $60. The $75 application fee covers the cost of the online courses. Once your application is processed, you will be registered for both courses. You will receive emails with course and password information from coursewebs and the PATH Intl. office. These will give you immediate access to the two courses. Please begin using the new personal member number and passwords once you have received them. Also, keep in mind that each course has a deadline; this is detailed in the PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification Booklet.

What if I don’t have a computer?How can I complete the two online courses?For individuals who do not have access to the Internet, the Center Accreditation Training course (CAT) is offered at all regional and national PATH Intl. conferences. The courses will need to be completed online, PATH Intl. does not offer paper exams anymore; therefore you will need to find a computer locally to complete the courses. You can print the course/exam when you login to the courses so you may take the exams on paper and then go back and submit your answers when you are ready.

How long will the online courses take to complete?The amount of time for completion of each online course is dependent on your knowledge and experience. Obviously, the more you know about PATH Intl.’s Standards and Accreditation process the quicker you will be able to proceed through the CAT course. The same is true of the Instructor Self-Study course. However, because this is a self-study, it is designed to be completed at your own pace. Therefore, you are encouraged to take as much time on each exercise as you wish within the deadline of the online course registration. The CAT course/exam must be completed within 60 days of being registered. The Instructor Self Study must be completed within 180 days of being registered. You are registered for each course when we process your Instructor Application.

If the time expires for either course or if you need to retake an exam to get a successful score, you will need to purchase the course and/or the retake exam again. The CAT course/exam is $10 and the Instructor Self-Study Course/Exam is $25. These courses and/or retake exams can be purchased in the online store or by calling the PATH Intl. office and paying over the phone with a credit card. Those participating in one of the six PATH Intl. Approved Training Courses do not need to pay for retakes or purchase the courses originally; registration is done through the ATC.

I am not yet certified in Adult/Child CPR and First Aid. Do I have to wait to submit my application toPATH Intl.?No, feel free to send in your application without copies of your Adult and Child CPR and First Aid cards. In fact, you can submit your First Aid and Adult and Child CPR cards at anytime during Phase I of the booklet certification process. However, PATH Intl. will need to have copies of your cards before your Phase I is complete and your Instructor-In-Training letter can be issued.

Does the certification process need to be completed in a particular order?Yes, the first thing to do for anyone interested in starting any educational or certification process with PATH Intl. would be to become a member of PATH Intl..

The second step depends on the method you choose to become certified. If you attend a PATH Intl. Approved Training Course you will need to contact the host site and ask them the process in which they complete things.

The process was designed with the intention that each step would help to prepare the candidate for successful completion of the next consecutive step. The process is broken down into two phases.

What if I have already completed an On-Site Workshop?When considering the workshop and certification in Phase II, it is important to keep in mind that there is an On-Site Workshop and an On-Site Certification. Although, they are usually associated with one another and completed on the same week or weekend, they are two separate steps. Therefore, if you have previously completed an On-Site Workshop, you will have satisfied that step of your certification process. However, the On-Site Workshops are only good for two years. If it has been more than two years since you completed the workshop when you attend an On-Site Certification, you will need to redo that step.

How can I get the 25 hours of practice group mounted teaching?Candidates are encouraged to volunteer at a PATH Intl. center to learn how to teach riding to individuals with disabilities from experienced instructors. It is difficult to become a therapeutic riding instructor without some hands-on experience under the guidance from someone who knows how to do it correctly. Some PATH Intl. centers offer Instructor training courses which can give candidates opportunities to accumulate hours under expert guidance.

For candidates who are unable to learn directly at another PATH Intl. center – practice teaching may take place elsewhere. However, all candidates should have a PATH Intl. certified instructor as a mentor.

Be creative in your quest for accumulating hours. This is your opportunity to open up lines of communication between yourself and other instructors. You should use this time to gain knowledge and experience about what works and what doesn’t work in the field of instructing therapeutic riding. Remember most people do have to dedicate a large amount of time in accumulating these hours, many of which involve traveling to centers, this is meant to be a time of learning and growth, the hours should not be rushed.

What is the cost for the entire certification process?

PATH Intl. Individual membership $60

Certification Application fee $75

On-Site Workshop and On-Site Certification $400-$800

There are also four books recommended as reference materials. Your total cost for these books can vary greatly depending on whether or not you have, can borrow, or need to purchase any or all of these references. Also, as a PATH Intl. member, you have the option of downloading the Standards and Accreditation Manual off of the website for free.

Where do I find an On-Site Workshop and Certification to attend?There is a list of all the Registered On-Site Workshop and Certifications listed on the PATH Intl. Calendar. You will want to look for events labeled Registered OSWC on the calendar. Please contact the host site directly to register. Please keep in mind all requirements for Phase I should be completed 30 days prior to attending an On-Site Workshop and Certification.